The Hurdy Gurdy Man – Part 2

Donovan gives himself permission to follow his muse and writes and sings about whatever he wants and while the results may be mixed one never doubts his sincerity. It was the 60’s, after all, when young people were encouraging each other to do whatever turns them on and make the most of each and every moment and celebrate life, love, and laughter. Rather than make fun of the ‘60s hippies, perhaps we should ask ourselves: where has the peace and love gone in our own time? Who is our Donovan singing about seagulls, pretty free spirits, and the pain and beauty of trying to catch the wind?

One day I was leaving my Arabic class when I passed one of my classmates on the street. She was wearing headphones and I noticed she was listening to Donovan on her electronic device. Though I didn’t know the young woman very well, as a Donovan fan I suddenly had a newfound respect for her. I imagine any Donovan fan is most likely a person who looks for the good in life, appreciates simple beauty, and wouldn’t mind spending an afternoon alone sitting by a brook in a forest and enjoying the peace, solitude, and birdsong. Here are some more of my favorite Donovan songs. Enjoy!

01. Donovan – “The Tinker and the Crab” (1967)
02. Donovan – “The Entertaining of a Shy Girl” (1968)
03. Donovan – “Sunshine Superman” (1966)
04. Donovan – “Catch the Wind (Single Version with Strings)” (1965)
05. Donovan – “Colours” (1965)
06. Donovan – “Mellow Yellow” (1966)
07. Donovan – “Widow with a Shawl (A Portrait)” (1967)
08. Donovan – “Voyage into the Golden Screen” (1967)
09. Donovan – “The Magpie” (1967)
10. Donovan – “Isle of Islay (Live)” (1967)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Recommended Links:

Donovan on teaching guitar technique to the Beatles